U42 – Does This Put U-Boat On The Map Of Serious Brands?

I have the new U-42 for over a month now.Not yet Panerai quality.
Fun piece but they should spend more on the watch and less on the box.

I think it is a Panerai rip off. As you said before they sell them at clothing stores … its more a fashion item than a watch. price is redicoulos better buy a Panerai Logo for that money…

U-Boat customer service is horrible. I bought a NEW Classico Titanium 53 ltd. Tuned out it had the wrong warranty card and took over 2 months (after numerous calls to Italy) to get a replacement. The one they sent was paper, not the plastic credit card type. Then, the chrono stopped working (after wearing it twice!) and the clasp was would no longer fasten. I sent it in for service and it took 6 weeks only to have it returned still not working and get this; it actually rattled inside!! Oh, and UB still has not sent the proper clasp. U-Boat has some cool designs (love the U42) but they could care less about the people who keep them in business: the customer!! Stay away…..stay far, far away.

I think it is a love it or hate it watch.
U-Boat watches are improving their quality over the years. Craftsmanship and Originality of their designs you may compare to popular brands.
Altho many people hate this brand because of the brand itself, or the price tag because many accuses the brand as “overpriced” by putting a hefty price tag when it uses only stock 3rd party movements (unitas 6497, eta 2824, valjoux 7750). People usually compare the watch to other brands that uses same 3rd party stock movements but price tag are way below. Plus the resale value of this watch is very soft in the secondary market. So if you are going for investements or value for money, then I think this watch is not for you. But if you want a unique design, fond of big watches, well crafted, then you may consider getting one. I have plenty of u-boat in my collections (all are mechanical / auto coz I don’t recommend getting them in quartz) also and I’m happy with them.
What I don’t like is the older models which I have plenty of them here that has a see thru case back but only uses ordinary low quality glass which is prone for scratches. They should have use sapphire crystal at the back case instead if they intend to use a see thru case back but they corrected it with their recent lineups. And if they intend to show off the movements, it is better to do more work in decorating the movements.
The design of their packaging are very nice but most of their boxes goes sticky to touch overtime so it is useless to keep them unless they use wood or aluminum metal which last a lifetime.
I don’t see they are making their own inhouse movement anytime soon.. but current movements they use are accurate and robust since they are tested and proven already but for the price tag, i think it would be better if they do more work in modifying and decorating the movement (example panerai).
Another thing I don’t like is that they when they put a price tag it should be regulated to just a certain point coz you may see a $7k price tag down to $5k and down down to less than $2k (BNEW). That is the reason the brand holds less or no value at the secondary market. They should regulate their price and discount to a certain point and limit their productions not just focusing on dispatching their units fast coz some people might end up buying one at a very high price then suddenly sees same model from different dealer selling less than half of the price he paid for. Any owners excitements will turn into disappointments once u realized u bought something at a very high price when u can get it a lot cheaper.
Bottomline, if u want a bold design, large unique watch, with good craftsmanship, u may consider one adding in your collections. But if you are into resale value then avoid the brand. It varies on personal preference so dont mind the snobbery of other watch guys out there coz in the end, it is your own wrist who wears it so buy whatever makes u happy.